All lakes and ponds were ice-free and the bare ground continued this week. There were few birder reports and so new information was limited.
Lake Travers (on the Park's East Side) had record late Canada Goose and Bufflehead on the 16th. Two female Canvasbacks photographed there the same day were just the second record for Algonquin. None of these were seen when Lake Travers was checked by canoe again today, unfortunately. A juvenile Common Loon on Grand Lake and two juveniles at the Opeongo Access Point today were very late. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll and Pine Siskin were observed at Lake Travers on the 16th. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen at Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail on the 12th. Gray Jay: Seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed, on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400. >From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). The Park's "East Side" is accessible via Barron Canyon Road from the Pembroke area. The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 4 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) are available at the East Gate, West Gate and Visitor Centre. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
